Prop Tax Exempt for Renewable Energy Generators

Kansas offers incentives to increase the amount of electric power generated in the state. These incentives work for the construction or expansion of electricity generating facilities for both independent power producers (so-called “merchant power plants”) and rate-based utilities. Independent power producer facilities are exempt from property taxes from the commencement of construction and for 12 years after the taxable year in which construction is completed. The eligibility period for plants used exclusively during peak load periods is six years. Electricity generation facilities constructed by regulated public utilities are exempt for 10 years (four years for peak load plants) (K.S.A. 79-259).

Transmission lines and equipment constructed by regulated public utilities after Jan. 1, 2001, also receive a 10-year property tax exemption (K.S.A. 79-259). (Nuclear power plants do not qualify for these exemptions.) The Kansas Development Finance Authority is authorized to issue revenue bonds to pay the construction costs of pollution control equipment at power plants.